Zacarias, a Cal Poly alumna and Santa Maria city councilwoman, is seeking to succeed Sam Blakeslee in the 33rd Assembly District, which encompasses San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County.

The award goes annually to a local elected official "who has excelled at growing and supporting Democratic Party grassroots efforts, " according to Roger Hart of the Santa Maria Democratic Club.

Hart called Zacarias "a Latina and Harvard MBA who...has never forgotten her humble roots. During her tenure on the City Council, not only does she always put people first, but she has shown grace, humility, and has never flinched when fighting injustice."

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